Yamaha F150 Patrols the Mighty Murray River

by Bob Carter on 26 May 2009
A single Yamaha F150 four stroke outboard has been selected by NSW Maritime to power the latest patrol boat to join the fleet operating in southern NSW. The Yamaha F150 is rated as one of the lowest emission outboards available in Australia and is also one of the most popular engines in the Yamaha four stroke line up.

NSW Maritime is the Authority responsible for marine safety, regulation of commercial and recreational boating and oversight of port operations in NSW. 

The latest Yamaha powered rig is fitted to a Stabicraft 589 SC hull and is destined to be stationed at Mildura on the Murray River, patrolling the river from Mildura all the way through to Albury.

Supplied by Yamaha dealer MY Marine, the NSW Maritime vessel is a custom rig designed and fitted out expressly for the task.

'This is the seventh Stabicraft rig that has been supplied to NSW Maritime for operational use in southern NSW,' said Michael Rozakis of MY Marine.

'However this rig has a few things that are a bit different to the previous Stabicraft rigs. Notably NSW Maritime has specified a hardtop cabin whereas previously they have opted for a conventional soft canopy set up.'

With the Stabicraft 589SC hull rated to a maximum of 150hp on the transom, the tender called for a four stroke F150 Yamaha to be fitted. With a 30' transom height on the pod, an Extra Long F150 model was supplied.

When fitted up and tuned to the hull, the performance data logged by MY Marine proved the Yamaha to be an ideal selection. With a top speed of 77 km/h (48 mph), this rig is certainly a lively one. 

While outright speed is an important factor when patrolling the Murray River, the NSW Maritime vessel is more likely to operate at the economical cruise speed of 4500 RPM for a speed of 61 km/h (38 mph). At cruise speed, the Yamaha powers the Stabicraft 2.35 km per litre of fuel. With the standard size 150 litre fuel tank fitted to the Stabicraft hull, the rig has a range of just over 350 km.

In addition to the F150 being a low emission and fuel efficient outboard, the Yamaha also enjoys an enviable reputation for being a durable commercial performer.

While out on patrol on the Murray River, the nature of NSW Maritime patrol work dictates a mixture of cruising with time spent pulling up alongside boats for safety inspections and licence checks. This kind of work involves hours of work with the engine operating at idle, together with frequent gear shifting. 

The Yamaha F150 revels in this kind of work.

The Stabicraft is an all alloy built hull from New Zealand. The standard Stabicraft 589SC benefitted from a ‘commercial upgrade’ pack, a group of enhancements that includes HD fendering, commercial seating for the two man crew, box section walkway around the outside of the hull and extra lockable storage. The hull itself has also been beefed up with a 6mm plate bottom sheet and 4mm sides.

All up the rig weighs 1700 kg on the water. The Stabicraft hull is a favoured choice of NSW Maritime due to the low wake and stability of the hull.

Yamaha outboards are available through an Australia-wide network of authorised Yamaha outboard dealers. All Yamaha 4-stroke outboards are supported with a full 4-year manufacturer’s warranty and all 2-stroke outboards are backed by a 3 year warranty – standard conditions apply.